Our Grantmaking

The Fund has directed over $4.2 million to 93 nonprofit organizations in Chester County through its three grantmaking programs: Core Grants, ‘Moving Her Forward’ Impact Grants, and grants from our Girls Advisory Board (GAB). All Fund grantmaking comes from a restricted endowment at The Fund, and the organization raises money to support its operations and programming.

Core Grants: The majority of The Fund’s grants are awarded by our Core Grants Committee (CGC). Community members lead CGC, using their lived experience and philanthropy education from The Fund to make informed grantmaking decisions. These Core Grants use a gender lens and trust-based philanthropy to address challenges that affect women and girls in Chester County. Core Grant recipients receive funding for two consecutive years. By awarding two years of funding to each organization, The Fund fosters stability, allowing nonprofits to plan and focus on providing high quality services and supports.

The application cycle for our most recent Core Grants closed on January 19, 2024, the next funding cycle will open December 2025.

Learn about our 2022-2023 Grantee Partners.

Learn how to be a member of our Core Grants Committee.

‘Moving Her Forward’ Impact Grants: The Fund established the Impact Grant program to focus on swift responses to pressing needs in the community. These Impact Grants support systems-level changes and leverage impact through collaborative funding with other foundations and donors, focusing on the needs identified in The Fund’s Fourth Edition Blueprint Report. Grantees are recommended by The Fund’s staff and approved by the Board of Directors.

Learn more about our 2022-2023 Impact Grantee Partners.

GAB Grants: The Fund’s Girls Advisory Board is a nationally recognized grantmaking program that provides local high school students with the opportunity to learn how philanthropy can strategically address community needs. Each year these young people award $20,000 in grants to local nonprofits targeting the needs of women and girls.

Learn more about our 2022-2023 GAB Grantees.

Learn more about our GAB program for high school students from Chester County.

Through its inclusive and community-driven process, The Fund continues to lead and unite the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. If you have any questions about our grantmaking, please contact The Fund at grants@thefundcc.org.